How to Spot Government Impersonation Scams 

Scammers are always working on the next creative ploy to steal your personal information and hard-earned money. However, some scams have stood the test of time and continue to wreak havoc on the finances of unsuspecting victims. You may wonder how people continue to fall for these scams – the answer is a combination of fear and trust.   Fraudsters impersonating government agencies have higher credibility than traditional phishers or extended warranty schemes. Then, they add a touch of fear to the equation, and victims panic and start to comply with the scammers’ requests.   The best defense against any scam is…

August 8, 2025Security Center No Comments
How to Spot Government Impersonation Scams 

Scammers are always working on the next creative ploy to steal your personal information and hard-earned money. However, some scams have stood the test of time and continue to wreak havoc on the finances of unsuspecting victims. You may wonder how people continue to fall for these scams – the answer is a combination of fear and trust.   Fraudsters impersonating government agencies have higher credibility than traditional phishers or extended warranty schemes. Then, they add a touch of fear to the equation, and victims panic and start to comply with the scammers’ requests.   The best defense against any scam is…

One Minute Reads: Are Auto Loan Rates Going Down?

It’s a question a lot of people are asking right now, and the honest answer is: no one can say for sure.  Auto loan rates change with the market and economic conditions, which means they can go up, down, or stay the same depending on a wide range of factors. But here’s something you can control: where you get your auto loan.  At PEFCU, we offer competitive rates on new auto loans and refinancing options—so whether you’re buying a vehicle or looking to lower your current monthly payment, we’ve got you covered.  Refinancing your current auto loan from another lender…

August 5, 2025One Minute Reads, Wallet Wins No Comments
One Minute Reads: Are Auto Loan Rates Going Down?

It’s a question a lot of people are asking right now, and the honest answer is: no one can say for sure.  Auto loan rates change with the market and economic conditions, which means they can go up, down, or stay the same depending on a wide range of factors. But here’s something you can control: where you get your auto loan.  At PEFCU, we offer competitive rates on new auto loans and refinancing options—so whether you’re buying a vehicle or looking to lower your current monthly payment, we’ve got you covered.  Refinancing your current auto loan from another lender…

Turning Your Side Hustle into a Small Business

Turning a side hustle into a full-fledged small business is an exciting journey that combines passion, purpose, and a bit of risk. Whether you’re selling handmade products, offering freelance services, or building a brand around your skills, making the leap from part-time project to full-time venture takes planning and preparation.    If you’ve been considering turning your side hustle into something more, we’re here to walk you through the essential steps to launching your small business. We’ll help you understand which parts of starting a business are essential, share some smart tips, and help you find the credit union products that…

July 25, 2025Future Planning No Comments
Turning Your Side Hustle into a Small Business

Turning a side hustle into a full-fledged small business is an exciting journey that combines passion, purpose, and a bit of risk. Whether you’re selling handmade products, offering freelance services, or building a brand around your skills, making the leap from part-time project to full-time venture takes planning and preparation.    If you’ve been considering turning your side hustle into something more, we’re here to walk you through the essential steps to launching your small business. We’ll help you understand which parts of starting a business are essential, share some smart tips, and help you find the credit union products that…

Back-to-School Shopping: Smart Parents, Happy Wallets

With the new school year right around the corner, feelings can be mixed. While teenagers dread the thought of waking up before noon, most parents crave the structure and routine of the school day.   However, there’s much to do before school bells ring and buses fill the streets. By now, you’re probably already receiving school supply lists and noticing most of your kids’ clothes no longer fit. Use the following tips to tackle all your back-to-school shopping adventures while keeping your wallet happy.  Make a Comprehensive List  Today, most schools provide a list of all the supplies students are encouraged…

July 25, 2025Wallet Wins No Comments
Back-to-School Shopping: Smart Parents, Happy Wallets

With the new school year right around the corner, feelings can be mixed. While teenagers dread the thought of waking up before noon, most parents crave the structure and routine of the school day.   However, there’s much to do before school bells ring and buses fill the streets. By now, you’re probably already receiving school supply lists and noticing most of your kids’ clothes no longer fit. Use the following tips to tackle all your back-to-school shopping adventures while keeping your wallet happy.  Make a Comprehensive List  Today, most schools provide a list of all the supplies students are encouraged…

One-Minute Reads: Don’t Let Moving Costs Drain Your Wallet 

Moving this summer? Don’t let hidden expenses catch you off guard. Beyond rent or mortgage, moving comes with costs like packing supplies, truck rentals, fuel, pet boarding, and more.  Plan Ahead: Create a detailed budget that includes everything from movers to cleaning supplies. Compare quotes from at least three moving companies and ask about discounts.  Cut Costs: Declutter as you pack to save time, space, and money. Cancel or transfer utilities and subscriptions, and avoid paying for services you no longer need.  Think Post-Move: Budget for utility deposits, cleaning supplies, groceries, and any new furniture.  Helpful Tools: A dedicated savings…

July 22, 2025Future Planning, One Minute Reads No Comments
One-Minute Reads: Don’t Let Moving Costs Drain Your Wallet 

Moving this summer? Don’t let hidden expenses catch you off guard. Beyond rent or mortgage, moving comes with costs like packing supplies, truck rentals, fuel, pet boarding, and more.  Plan Ahead: Create a detailed budget that includes everything from movers to cleaning supplies. Compare quotes from at least three moving companies and ask about discounts.  Cut Costs: Declutter as you pack to save time, space, and money. Cancel or transfer utilities and subscriptions, and avoid paying for services you no longer need.  Think Post-Move: Budget for utility deposits, cleaning supplies, groceries, and any new furniture.  Helpful Tools: A dedicated savings…

6 Myths About Refinancing Car Loans

 Refinancing your car loan might sound like a mystical and complicated process, but that’s rarely the case. In truth, refinancing is one of the quickest and easiest ways to put more of your hard-earned dollars back into your wallet each month.   Believing common misconceptions about refinancing might be preventing you from pursuing one of the best financial decisions you can make for your budget. We’re here to debunk these common myths and help you gain a clearer understanding of how this process can instantly improve your finances.     Understanding Auto Loan Refinancing  Refinancing your car loan is essentially the process…

July 15, 2025Borrowing Basics No Comments
6 Myths About Refinancing Car Loans

 Refinancing your car loan might sound like a mystical and complicated process, but that’s rarely the case. In truth, refinancing is one of the quickest and easiest ways to put more of your hard-earned dollars back into your wallet each month.   Believing common misconceptions about refinancing might be preventing you from pursuing one of the best financial decisions you can make for your budget. We’re here to debunk these common myths and help you gain a clearer understanding of how this process can instantly improve your finances.     Understanding Auto Loan Refinancing  Refinancing your car loan is essentially the process…

Account Safety Starts with Strong Passwords 

With so much of our personal and professional lives conducted online, ensuring that our sensitive data remains secure is crucial. From shopping online to accessing medical records and completing job applications, we’re putting more of our lives online than we likely realize.  Your password is your first line of defense in stopping attacks and suspicious activities. A strong password ensures your sensitive information remains secure from vulnerabilities like cyber threats and data breaches. Whether you’re an online aficionado or a casual browser, understanding the importance of password protection is critical in safely navigating the digital landscape.     Why Do I…

July 3, 2025Security Center No Comments
Account Safety Starts with Strong Passwords 

With so much of our personal and professional lives conducted online, ensuring that our sensitive data remains secure is crucial. From shopping online to accessing medical records and completing job applications, we’re putting more of our lives online than we likely realize.  Your password is your first line of defense in stopping attacks and suspicious activities. A strong password ensures your sensitive information remains secure from vulnerabilities like cyber threats and data breaches. Whether you’re an online aficionado or a casual browser, understanding the importance of password protection is critical in safely navigating the digital landscape.     Why Do I…

Buy Now, Pay Later: Helpful or Harmful? 

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) programs may be the latest payment craze, but the concept isn’t new. These same principles made credit cards, loans, and even layaway popular. However, these payment options are gaining traction due to the lure of no-interest charges, convenient repayment schedules, and easy approvals. Combine these perks with more people relying on credit to make ends meet in an inflated economy, and it’s easy to understand the hype.   While convenient access to cheap money might be the draw, hidden dangers are lurking in the waters that many overlook accidentally – and because they don’t think it…

June 18, 2025Wallet Wins No Comments
Buy Now, Pay Later: Helpful or Harmful? 

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) programs may be the latest payment craze, but the concept isn’t new. These same principles made credit cards, loans, and even layaway popular. However, these payment options are gaining traction due to the lure of no-interest charges, convenient repayment schedules, and easy approvals. Combine these perks with more people relying on credit to make ends meet in an inflated economy, and it’s easy to understand the hype.   While convenient access to cheap money might be the draw, hidden dangers are lurking in the waters that many overlook accidentally – and because they don’t think it…

New or Used? Your Summer Car-Buying Guide

The warmer months are here, and car sales are heating up! Summer is one of the busiest times for car buying, thanks to fresh inventory from manufacturers, summer sales at dealerships, and more people looking to sell or trade in their current vehicles. Plus, the nice weather makes test-driving more enjoyable.  If a new ride is on your mind, you have an important question to ask: Should I buy new or used? It sounds like a simple question, but each option comes with pros, cons, and financial trade-offs. In this guide, we’ll break down how new and used vehicles can…

June 13, 2025Wallet Wins No Comments
New or Used? Your Summer Car-Buying Guide

The warmer months are here, and car sales are heating up! Summer is one of the busiest times for car buying, thanks to fresh inventory from manufacturers, summer sales at dealerships, and more people looking to sell or trade in their current vehicles. Plus, the nice weather makes test-driving more enjoyable.  If a new ride is on your mind, you have an important question to ask: Should I buy new or used? It sounds like a simple question, but each option comes with pros, cons, and financial trade-offs. In this guide, we’ll break down how new and used vehicles can…

The New Grad’s Guide to Adulting

Graduation season is here, and it’s time to celebrate. Congratulations if you’re one of the many students crossing the stage this spring! Earning your degree is a huge accomplishment. However, as you step into this exciting new chapter, you might be wondering, what’s next?  Whether you’re stepping out into the workforce or gearing up for college life, you’re sure to experience a newfound sense of independence. And with that comes a slew of new responsibilities – many of which are tied directly to your finances. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here…

June 6, 2025Future Planning No Comments
The New Grad’s Guide to Adulting

Graduation season is here, and it’s time to celebrate. Congratulations if you’re one of the many students crossing the stage this spring! Earning your degree is a huge accomplishment. However, as you step into this exciting new chapter, you might be wondering, what’s next?  Whether you’re stepping out into the workforce or gearing up for college life, you’re sure to experience a newfound sense of independence. And with that comes a slew of new responsibilities – many of which are tied directly to your finances. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here…